Read 3 minutesUpdated: 16 July 2026 07:18 AM IST
Lionel Messi lashed out at his and Argentina’s critics after a string of accusations and claims of favoritism from FIFA en route to a second straight World Cup final with a 2-1 win over England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Messi, 39, made a stunning second-half comeback to provide two assists in the space of six minutes for England, who had earlier taken the lead through Anthony Gordon’s strike in the 55th minute.
Argentina’s title defense has been mired in controversy since the first game, with a number of controversial decisions from the officials appearing to go in favor of the world champions. But as the Albiceleste booked their shot at a second straight title, Messi didn’t mince words, brushing aside accusations of favoritism during the tournament.
Also read | England couldn’t beat Maradona; They can’t even beat Messi
Scaloni moved Messi from a central, free-roaming role to the right, in his hunting area
“Whoever is hurt hurts and let them say what they want – we proved once again on the pitch that nobody gives us anything,” Messi told TyC Sports.
“We came under fire, there were many doubts around us, but I knew this group always competes. I was sure we would be in the final four and thank God, we finished in the first two.”
Story continues below this ad
Messi, who played 205 matches, was facing arch-rivals England for the first time in his career.
“If we’d lost to England, people would have come out and said something stupid about us, but we didn’t give them a chance. We’re lucky we won, this game means everything.”
Also read | Six minutes England will regret forever and Argentina will savor for years
“We knew we were better than them in terms of football, but when you play a match of this magnitude, there is a lot at stake, when historical factors come into play. Still, everything doesn’t stop it from being special and we wanted to win it,” he added.
Story continues below this ad
Messi congratulates El Diego
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner dedicated the win to legend Diego Maradona, who headlined the World Cup quarter-final clash between Argentina and the Three Lions 40 years ago. Maradona produced two of his most eye-catching moments in the space of four minutes in an Argentina shirt in a 2–1 win, producing ‘Hand of God’ and ‘Goal of the Century’.
” No doubt, Diego is enjoying himself a lot because today was a very special day for him; To be able to give him this pleasure and make him feel the way he wants from there. Let him enjoy it because it is a gift for him “, Messi said, as his combined eight goals and four assists gave him the sole lead in the Ballon d’Or race ahead of the final.